Complaints and allegations

An allegation is when it appears that the professional, staff member, childminder, volunteer, foster carer has:

behaved in a way that has harmed a child, or may have harmed a child

possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child

behaved in an inappropriate way towards a child which may indicate that he or she is unsuitable to work with children

if there are concerns about the person’s behaviour towards their own children

children unrelated to their employment or voluntary work, and there has been a recommendation from a strategy discussion that consideration should be given to the risk posed to children they work with

an allegation has been made about abuse that took place some time ago and the accused person may still be working with or having contact with children.

When a report is made to the designated senior manager it will be clear in some cases that an immediate referral must be made to social care or the police for investigation. However in many cases it may be difficult to judge on the basis of the information provided; it may be more about unprofessional behaviour or blurred boundaries between a staff member and a child or there may be no foundation in the allegation at all. However all allegations must be taken seriously and objectively and dealt with in a timely manner.

Managing allegations against adults working with children

Local Authority Designated Officers (LADO) provide advice and guidance to employers and voluntary organisations that have concerns about a person working or volunteering with children and young people who may have behaved inappropriately or you have received information that may constitute an allegation.

Single safeguarding website for Devon

A single website for all things to do with safeguarding children and adults was launched on 21 January 2013. A joint initiative from Devon’s Safeguarding Children Board (DSCB) and Safeguarding Adults Board (DSAB) in response to requests to make it easier to access safeguarding information and policies; and to encourage a greater level of engagement with users of services.

Informing Ofsted of allegations

Registered providers must inform Ofsted of any allegations of serious harm or abuse by any person living, working, or looking after children at the premises (whether the allegations relate to harm or abuse committed on the premises or elsewhere). Registered providers must notify Ofsted of action taken in respect of allegations. These notifications must be made within 14 days of the allegations being made.

A registered provider who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with this requirement, commits an offence.

Sometimes parents and other people with an interest in childcare have complaints or concerns about the quality of a registered childcare service or childminder. Ofsted can look into any matter related to the requirements and conditions of registration. They will also look into concerns about people providing childcare who are not registered with us as childcare providers. Ofsted cannot deal with other issues you may have, such as disputes about contracts or fees.